Darlene

ABSTRACT

A cross between the female variety 5-11-3 and the pollen parent variety Carlos to produce an improved variety of muscadine grape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

A Cross between the female seed parent 5/11/3 and the pollen parentvariety Carlos.

The primary objective of the breeding was to produce an improved varietyof muscadine grape; the fruit of which was to have superiorcharacteristics. These characteristics include large size, high quality,dry scar for longer shelf life, flavor, high sugar content; and theplant to be vigorous and productive.

In comparison to the seed parent 5/11/3, the new variety is sweeter, andlarger; but resembles in color and vigor the pollen parent Carlos. Thefruit of the new variety contains on the average of from 23.50 to 24.50percent soluble solids, which sugar content is higher than the sugarcontent of the fruit of the pollen parent. The present variety yields onthe average of 5 to 8 tons per acre in tests conducted at Ison's Nursery& Vineyards, Brooks, Ga.

Asexual reproduction of the new variety either by soft wood cuttings orby layering as performed at Brooks, Ga. shows that the foregoingcharacteristics and distinctions come true to form and are establishedand transmitted through succeeding propagations.

The accompanying photograph shows a typical specimen of the vegetativegrowth and fruit of the new variety when the fruit is ripe and ready forpicking and as depicted in color as nearly true as it is reasonablypossible to make the same in color illustration of the characters.

The following is a detailed description of the new variety:

Species: Vitis rotundifolia.

Type: Vine.

Seed parent: Variety 5/11/3.

Pollen parent: Variety Carlos.

Propagation: Holds its characteristics through succeeding propagation byeither layering or by softwood wood cuttings.

Ripening: Early to mid season.

Locality where grown: Brooks, Ga.

Fruit borne: In clusters of approximately 5 to 15 berries per cluster.

Fruit size: Extra large 11/4" in diameter, larger than either seed orpollen parent.

Fruit color: Greyed Orange Group, 165C Fan 4, The Royal HorticulturalSociety, London, England.

Sugar content: 23.50 to 24.50 percent soluble solids.

Shape: Round.

Seed: Average diameter 1/8 inch, average seed per berry 2.65.

Pulp: A. Color group Greyed Green 196C Fan 4 of The Royal HorticulturalSociety, London, England. B. Consistency, very soft, melting, juicy ascompared to most muscadines.

Skin: Medium.

Foliage: Leaf color, Green Group, 138C Fan 3; The Royal HorticulturalSociety London, England. Leaf size and shape similar to most muscadinevines.

Reproductive organs:

Pistillate.--not self-pollinating.

Growth habits: Vine requires support, vine vigorous and productive.

Canes.--Medium to large calipers.

Maturity date: Usually ripens about September 15 at Brooks, Ga.

Diseases: Tolerant to Ripe Rot, Black Rot and other muscadine diseases.

This description was made from a muscadine vine grown at Ison's Nurseryand Vineyards, Brooks, Ga.

I claim:
 1. The new and distinct variety of grape plant, as describedand illustrated.